How Are Your Reactions Creating Your Experiences?

Last month I turned off my computer, closed my office door behind me and put my life on a semi-hold for a week. If you know me, you know that was no easy task. But … I did it so I could attend a yoga retreat with my hubby in San Miguel, Mexico.

Was I stressing to not be as “present” online as I normally am—and during a launch no less?

Duh. Yeah!

Was it worthwhile?

Absolutely.

It was divine. My body soaked up every ounce of energy and it was fun meeting other humans who also committed to their own healthy lifestyles.

We were all raising our vibrations.

One morning as my husband and I were lying on a sticky mat and talking, I asked him if he had taken a shower that day.

He turned and looked at me. OMG, I wish I could describe the look on his face. And he got super defensive.

At first I was like, Huh?

That came out of left field.

After I worked through my confusion about his response, I realized he might have assumed I was implying something else.

What was he choosing to think that prompted his defensiveness?

Was he thinking I was saying he smelled?

Did he think I was thinking he looked crappy?

Seriously, I was only asking because there had been no hot water for my shower that morning and I was wondering if he was able to snag some before it was used up. No “charge.” No hidden meaning.

Sometimes we are preprogrammed to respond in certain ways. Our thoughts lead to interpretations and automatic reactions that in a split-second set the pace for how we feel.

And then our emotions determine our actions.

In this case, maybe my husband interpreted my question about whether he took a shower to be some kind of insult instead of what it actually was – my curiosity about whether he had hot water.

It could be that his interpretation of what I said brought about an anger reaction.

The beauty of this is that you can turn yourself around anytime you want – just by changing your thoughts and managing your reactions.

Can you think of someplace you like to start?

Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, Kick-A$$ Business Guru, 7 Figure MOM-treprenuer. and passionate about empowering others to live the life of their dreams and is based in Boulder, CO. Hayley creates lifestyle transformations by coaching her clients to become the best WHOLE version of themselves possible. To learn more about her nutritional courses, events, and custom programs, visit hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.